In the framework of its newest initiative “Preparing and Supporting Albania for the EU accession process (ALBE): Monitoring and Supporting Albania’s reforms on its path to EU,” Cooperation and Development Institute – CDI organized on May 30th,the roundtable “Accession negotiations and country reforms: Chapters 23 & 24.”
The activity began with the welcoming remarks from H.E. Guusje Korthals Altes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania and Mr. Sokol Dedja, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The roundtable continued with the presentation of ALBE innovative monitoring methodology on accession negotiations on Chapters 23&24,delivered by Ms. Eralda (Methasani) Çani, the CDI senior expert.
An important aspect of this roundtable was the exchange of experience with the EU accession front-runners in the Western Balkans. The Head of the Negotiating Team for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the EU Prof. Dr. Tanja Miščević presented the accession negotiations dynamics in Serbia focusing on legislation, policies, institutions and implementation.Prof. Dr. Miščević stressed that a clear division of competence and responsibilities as well as a strong political consensus are the essential characteristics and principles for negotiating process. She emphasized that the EU accession process and the engaged reforms are more important than the date of entry to the EU. Prof. Miščević praised the ALBE methodology as a valid instrument is producing shadow reports and complementing track record tables with data on institutional governance of national involved bodies.
During this roundtable, a special focus was also given to the Contribution of the Albanian civil society in reform monitoring particularly with regard to Chapters 23 & 24. Ms. Erida Skendaj, Director of Albanian Helsinki Committee explained the achievements of Justice Reform in Albania underlining the remaining challenges such as the need for re-organization of the courts in all levels. Lastly, Arjan Dyrmishi, Director of Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance discussed about the priorities in thefight against organized crime in Albania, focusing on the establishment of a solid track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and final convictions.
You may consult the agenda of the event here and the presentations here.
